You will communicate the Port’s strategic vision, and community development opportunities in a transparent, relevant, and compelling manner to build trust and interest.

• You will set the direction and strategy for communications activities.
• You will determine key messages, identify priority targets and third-party validators, and establish creative communication.
• You will communicate and work with the Commission, Executive Office, Business, and Division leadership weekly.
• You will prepare annual communications and marketing plans for Commission Office, Executive Office, and the Aviation and Maritime Divisions.
• You will lead communications and marketing coordination with divisions, customers and stakeholders through brainstorms, proposals, and reviews.
• You will update plans quarterly and present on progress and prepare monthly analysis of digital communications metrics against goals.
• You will lead and direct the work of media relations, creative services, writers, and marketing leads by assigning projects, providing feedback, and prioritizing work.
• You will create and direct communications that highlight our Commission and executive leadership and strategic priorities.
• You will advise executive, HR, and legal staff on sensitive matters.
• You will play a leadership role in an incident response, either as media officer or public affairs coordinator.

Who you are: 

• Experienced – You have ten years of communications experience at a corporate or public relations agency in a leadership role related to public policy.
• Educated – You possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Desired – We hope you have fifteen years of experience in a public agency communications leadership role with specialized education in the fields of public policy, communications, or marketing.
• Committed to Equity – You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work.  At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
• Leader – You understand the gravity and weight of the position and provide guidance whenever possible in an accountable and honest manner.
• Effective Communicator – You possess the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with a diverse population under stressful conditions. You also have a strong ability to quickly understand the situation and communicate with the appropriate resources and response.
• Analytical Problem Solver – You are able to independently and rapidly assess and solve problems in stressful situations, applying policies, rules and regulations to take appropriate action.
• Collaborator – You are someone who can work with diverse internal and external stakeholders at various levels of the organization to build relationships while providing excellent guidance and customer service.

What else you need to know: 

• Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role.
• Work Environment – This work will take place in a hybrid remote/in-office setting at Management’s discretion.
• Grade Review – The pay range and grade for non-represented positions are under review and subject to change as part of the Port’s work to implement a new pay program. This review is intended to ensure that positions are aligned with the new program that will be implemented in early 2024.
• Washington State Residency Requirement – Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.

Why you’ll love it here: The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port‘s mission. In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be found on the Port of Seattle‘s website. If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the “Collective Bargaining Agreement” or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.

• Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
• Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
• Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
• Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
• Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
• Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work from home.
• Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
• Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.
• Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
• Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Why the Port of Seattle: Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here.

Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors – throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership – the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic develop and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity.